Its Tha Gang Homie!

It almost seems as if mix-tapes are a lost art in our culture. Chicago’s own DJ Shon has hosted over 500+ mixtapes and singles over the span of 10 years. I got a chance to sit down with Dj Shon, and we talked about how he got into music, growing up in Chicago, the history of his brand, and much more! Check it out below.

Q. I remember when I was just starting high school you and Baby Sean started PPSG and that was huge at the time can you describe that situation for me?

Well, we were a family before the start-up, we continued to throw some of the biggest events in COLORADO ranging from highschool students to some of the hottest Denver nightlife clubs. PPSG stands for "Paper Plane Stoner Gang' at the time we listened to a lot of Wiz Khalifa also the stoner movement was at an all-time high. The word 'GANG' in PPSG is basically what everyone has heard throughout the years on ALL of my mixtapes and projects. The slogan has been "ITS THE GANG HOMIE' since 2008, and I have taken this brand and name around the world.

As of BABY SEAN, he has continued to inspire Colorado with his new videos and insights since I have transitioned back to my home town Chicago, IL. PPSGxBAGTALK

Baby Sean also has his own label back in Colorado 'BAG TALK' so we're just creating more history as our kids get older. Our kids will see the significance and importance of KEEPING money and HAVING money on a rainy day.

Q. You’ve hosted hundreds of songs and projects featuring Lil Jay, Famous Dex, Rico Reckless, Lil Bibby, Dreezy and the list goes on, how and when did that start for you?

The history behind EVERY artist and releasing some of the hottest music is the time I moved back from Colorado, not saying in a bad intention but to get back to my roots/family. AS SOON as I moved back to Chicago from 2011-2013 I finished high school. From 2013-2020 I have been all across the world. 2013-2016 was an experience in my career because of Lil Jay, Rico Reckless, Lil Bibby, Dreezy, Lil Mouse, Dlow (Bop King), Stunt Taylor, Famous Dex the list goes on. Hard impact on my career which paved the way to still be relevant until today.

Q. Can you describe what growing up in Chicago is like for those who have no idea?

For those who have no idea what growing up in Chicago is like loving something so bad but it could be so cold. If that doesn't click then being from Chicago isn't like any other city we move faster than most cities also the violence in the city sets us apart from the world but CHICAGO we are a blueprint. 

Q. I know you and Famous Dex have had a friendship and working relationship for the past few years, are you still Dex’s DJ, and can we expect something from you two soon?

Honestly, at the moment I'm focused on my career and fulfilling the check-off list. In the future yes it's a possibility to have a new project from me and Dex. My new album on the way. 'Lead The Wave 2' will feature some of the hottest artists around the world.

Q. Who is your favorite artist that you worked with so far over the years?

I've worked with so many artists other the years I don't have a favorite. EVERYONE I worked with has their own unique style that's always exciting.

Q. You made a lot of noise with the release of your 13 track album “Lead The Wave” last year featuring Indika, Famous Dex, Dreezy and more, what was your favorite track on that project?

This is a hard question. All 13. Seriously though my favorite(s) track off my first album #LTW is #9 Lotice - Detox , #10 JahThePoet - Kimbo Slice lastly #1 Asa2Times -  All The Chains and this is because these select tracks had the most potential in the process of 'LEAD THE WAVE' 

Q. What can we expect from you for the rest of this year and the start of next year?

For the rest of this year I'll be handling the groundwork for my second album #LTW2, by the start of next year be on the lookout for new music, new videos releasing off the album.

Q. Every Friday you DJ and host the #WeMajor hour on “ILLANOIZE Radio”, which can also be heard on SHADE 45 station “The Drive On”. How did that opportunity come to your way bro?

The opportunity came due to my brother DJ ILLINOIS JONES he's the main host over at Illanoize Radio. He called me up broke down the specifics and I was instantly with it. Every Friday NEW MUSIC for 1 full hour. It's a great platform for upcoming artists to be heard.

Q. Your brand/merch “World Famous” has been around for a little bit, when can we expect your new collection to release to the public?

Actually, I'm working on a new design for my 'WORLD FAMOUS' collection. I just linked up with my family 'TONE TWISTED' that I greatly met in Shanghai while doing a show. We are currently putting together something EPIC will be dropping very soon. 

Q. With COVID-19 sidelining people from attending concerts and events, have you thought about doing virtual music events?

Yes, I've had that thought it's actually a great idea for artists and/or DJs to do a virtual concert because it keeps your fan base active. COVID-19 changed us for the better but artists now have to get creative. That's why we see a lot of "DELUXE' albums.

Q. When are you thinking about releasing your follow-up album “Lead The Wave 2”?

#LTW2 (2021 Fall Season)

Go stream Lead the Wave 2 and follow Dj Shon below!